Steering play
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Junior User
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
From: Toronto Ca
Steering play
71 F250 with power steering:
It has alot of play in the system, I am just getting the truck, so I am not yet familiar with the system.
The Tyrods/idlerarm/etc seem tight, but there is a lot of play (like 30degrees worth in the steering wheel). What are my chances of "adjusting" this or am I simply needing a rebuilt steering box?
If so, whats it like getting the box out?
It has alot of play in the system, I am just getting the truck, so I am not yet familiar with the system.
The Tyrods/idlerarm/etc seem tight, but there is a lot of play (like 30degrees worth in the steering wheel). What are my chances of "adjusting" this or am I simply needing a rebuilt steering box?
If so, whats it like getting the box out?
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 2,415
Likes: 3
From: Comox Valley, Canada
Steering play
It could be as simple as the "rag joint" is worn out. It is a round shock absorber type thing between the steering wheel column and the steering shaft.
They are cheap and fairly easy to replace. You should be able to see it just below the brake master cylinder. Just watch it while someone turns the wheel back and forth and see if it is the problem. If the steering wheel shaft turns before the steering shaft to the steering box that is the problem.
Sparky
They are cheap and fairly easy to replace. You should be able to see it just below the brake master cylinder. Just watch it while someone turns the wheel back and forth and see if it is the problem. If the steering wheel shaft turns before the steering shaft to the steering box that is the problem.
Sparky
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 2,415
Likes: 3
From: Comox Valley, Canada
Steering play
>Dosen't the F-250 have a universial joint instead of the rag
>joint?
>I know my '70 does, but it's a 4x4 with manual steering.
I am fairly certain that only the 4x4's have the universal, well all the ones I have seen are universals and all the 2x's are rag joints.
Sparky
>joint?
>I know my '70 does, but it's a 4x4 with manual steering.
I am fairly certain that only the 4x4's have the universal, well all the ones I have seen are universals and all the 2x's are rag joints.
Sparky
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 24,552
Likes: 74
From: Creedmoor, North Carolina
Steering play
Reter, Sometimes the old Fords take some getting used to if you only have experence in newer cars. 
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 3,960
Likes: 5
From: All over Texas
Steering play
Peter, my '68 had tons of play like you noted. I replaced every single chasis and suspension component (kingpins, all bushings, tie rods, center link, rag joint, etc.) hoping this would fix the problem. Still, it turned out to be a worn ps gearbox.
Since they are so cheap, try the rag joint first and then a little tightening on the gearbox. Considering the set-up is over 30 years old (if all original) you could be due for a big ticket replacement project.
Since they are so cheap, try the rag joint first and then a little tightening on the gearbox. Considering the set-up is over 30 years old (if all original) you could be due for a big ticket replacement project.
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Junior User
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
From: Toronto Ca
Steering play
Strangly, the excessive play is "intermittent". I have been driving it around my yard, lots of the time it is decent - not tight, but what I would expect for an old truck, then (possibly caused by bumps)it will go out of wack.
It behaves like my late model Tbird did, when I had a lower control arm bolt loose.
It behaves like my late model Tbird did, when I had a lower control arm bolt loose.
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Elder User
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 799
Likes: 0
Steering play
Could be shot bushings. When I fixed those, the directional unpredictability over bumps decreased. The shocks helped quite a bit, too. BUT the swaybar? Wow! That's another thread...
--Matt
1972 F250 Custom Sport Camper Special 4x2 360 2v C6 3.73
Soon to have a 104" wheelbase as part of a Broncification project
--Matt
1972 F250 Custom Sport Camper Special 4x2 360 2v C6 3.73
Soon to have a 104" wheelbase as part of a Broncification project
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